Breast Cancer:

Written By: Renusree

How does it start?

Initial stages of breast cancer ignite when cells in the chest area start to grow rapidly. When these cancerous cells accumulate, they may travel to other areas of the body such as nearby lymph nodes in the arm. As a result, these cells are invading organs within the body which have vital functions. Common signs that should trigger warning are swelling, feeling a lump, and nipple discharge.

Why do cancerous cells grow out of control?

The cell cycle is a 4 step process for the proper growth of cells. There are four different checkpoints during the process to ensure that the cells are healthy and growing safely. In a cancer patient, mutations in genes inhibit the normal functions of the cell cycle. The checkpoints are dysfunctional and as a result, cells start to grow rapidly and out of control.

Stages of Breast Cancer:

Stage 0:

Breast cancer is difficult to detect during this stage because there are very limited symptoms. In rare cases, a lump may be felt and only observation can be done during this time, no treatment.

Stage 1:

The tumor starts to form and can measure up to 2 cm. Cancer has started to spread to other areas of the breast but no lymph node involvement.

Stage 2:

The tumor can grow up to 5 cm and may have even traveled into the lymph nodes under the arm. The lymph system is responsible for draining bacteria and other harmful substances, and when the cancer spreads there is a possibility for the build-up of excess fluid. Stage 3 breast cancer is invasive as it quickly spreads to other areas.

Stage 4:

In this stage, the cancer has spread to areas like the liver and lungs. Common symptoms include shortness of breath and stomach pain.

Possible treatments for breast cancer:

Chemotherapy is an option considered by almost all doctors for their breast cancer patients. During chemotherapy, drugs that are activated to destroy cancer cells are injected or swallowed into the body. These drugs try to locate cancerous cells and destroy them in the process. Side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, nail change, and loss of appetite.

Radiation is a procedure that attempts to kill cancerous cells by aiming high energy particles at the chest. Radiation is usually done after chemotherapy if the results of chemotherapy aren’t favored. Some side effects of radiation include redness, peeling of skin, and fatigue.

If the cancer has progressed to stage 4 and other treatments don’t yield proper results, surgery is the next best option. Mastectomy is the surgical removal of the affected breast. During this procedure, all of the fat inside is removed and the breast is sutured back up. To prevent the cancer from reforming, radiation may be conducted after surgery.

---

Sources

INFO, CDC. “What Is Breast Cancer?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Sept. 2020, www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm.

Health and Human Services, U.S. Department. “Breast Cancer-Patient Version.” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/types/breast.